Whooping cough(pertussis) is a disease of the breathing system caused by a germ which lives in the mouth, nose and throat. Infants under 5years are most at risk if they have not been immunised. Signs in the 1st Stage are similar to a cold-runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and mild cough. At the 2nd Stage there are many bursts of quick coughing followed by a 'whoop' sound as the child takes in air. If a child has these signs take them to a clinic IMMEDIATELY-whooping cough can kill and early treatment is more effective.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation